The client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is being discharged and is prescribed the steroid prednisone. Which scientific rationale supports why the nurse instructs the client to taper off the medication?

C This will allow the adrenal gland time to start functioning. D The thyroid gland will have to start producing cortisol. A The pituitary gland must adjust to the decreasing dose. B The beta cells of the pancreas have to start secreting insulin.